Keralites to organise Muthappan Mahotsavam in Ahmedabad

Shree Thiruvappana Mahotsavam, a day-long festival, will be organized by the city-based Keralites on Sunday. A unique aspect of the festival is that the incarnations of Lord Vishnu or Thiruvappana and Lord Shiva or Vellattam will be present during the day to bless thousands of Shree Muthappan devotees. Organised by the Shree Muthappan Seva Samithi, Ahmedabad, the festival will be held on January 12, at Shree Narayana Cultural Mission.

Thousands of devotees are expected to throng the venue for the festival and blessings.

Speaking to dna, president of the samithi, Vinod Nambiar said: “During the festival, Lord Vishnu and Shiva appear in the form of Theyyam and present Thiri nritham (divine dance).”

Theyyam are artists performing the dance and believed to be incarnation of gods. The dance form originates from North Kerala, which will be presented on Sunday at the venue.

The Theyyam artistes, in their colourful attire, will perform a frenzied dance rhythmically, following the resonant beat of chenda — a percussion instrument. The Theyyam dance is performed by swaying the sword, symbolically representing the “Hunter God”. The movements, brisk and light randomly, are full of life and a sight not to be missed. As the performance reaches its peak, Theyyam, on behalf of the deity, gives answers to distressed devotees.

“We believe that supernatural powers of god descend on the Theyyam performers, and they answer our worries and woes after their performance,” added Nair. The festival will conclude with the distribution of a special prasadam (sweet) of Payyankutti (a dish made with flattened rice) which is distributed to all.